Sabbath - School
Lesson Quarterly
[Entered as second-class matter. October 13,1904, at the Post-office in
Mountain View, Cal., under the Act of Congress of
March 3, 1879]
No. 63

Mountain View, Cal., January, 1911

Five Cents
Lessons on
The Book of Acts
For Senior Division
First Quarter 1911

January to March
Published by
Pacific Press Publishing Association
Mountain View,. California
ebe
abbatD *pi
Morita
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Sabbath-School Lessons on the
BOOK OF ACTS
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
The book of Acts is the most remarkable church history ever
written; one which is full of lessons for the remnant people.
"The great work of the gospel is not to close with less mani-
festation of the power of God than marked its opening. The
prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former
rain at the opening of the gospel, are again to be fulfilled in
the latter rain at its close."—"Great
Controversy," page 611.
That the author was Luke is acknowledged by nearly all Bible
students. He was probably a Greek. He was a physician,— a pro-
fession of honor among the Greeks. Jerome speaks of him as "a,
physician of Antioch." He was doubtless a well-educated ma
.n
and of a lovable and modest disposition. He is called "the
beloved physician." He does not mention his own name in the
book.
It is commonly thought that the book was written
-
about A.D.
63, as the narrative breaks off suddenly at the end of Paul's
first imprisonment at Rome. It is generally believed that the
book was written at Rome, as the author mentions his arrival
at Rome (Acts 28:16), and does not mention his departure. This
is not conclusive however.
Well might the book be called the "Acts of the Holy Spirit."
The Holy Spirit is mentioned seventy-one times. It is a con-
tinuous record of a great spiritual revival accomplished by the
superhuman power of the Holy Spirit through ordinary men.
The missionary lessons of this book ought to stir the church
to-day to such activity as it has not yet experienced. Everything
is ' ready for the quick finishing of the gospel work. What is
needed is apostolic supplications, the forsaking of sins, and Pente-
costal power.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
LESSON I.— Ascension of Christ; Tarrying at
Jerusalem
JANUARY 7, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 1.
LESSON. HELPS: "Testimonies for the Church," volume 8,
pages 19-23;
Sabbath School Worker.
(Those who have the old
volumes of the "Spirit of Prophecy," now out of print, will
find volume 3 a lesson help through all the quarter.)
PLACES: Bethany and Jerusalem.
TIME: A.D. 31. Note 1.
PERSONS: Jesus, apostles, and disciples.
Questions
PROMISE OF THE FATHER
1.
Who is the author of the book of Acts? What
was his purpose in writing ? Acts 1: 1; Luke 1: 3.
Note 2.
2.
Of what had he formerly written? Acts 1: 1, 2.
Note 3.
3.
How long was Jesus on earth after His resur-
rection? What did He do during this time? Verse 3.
Note 4.
4.
What did He direct His disciples to do, and what
was promised ? Verses 4, 5.
5.
What question shows that the disciples still clung
to their national hope? What was Jesus' answer?
Verses 6, 7.
6.
What did He promise them that was far better?
Verse 8. Note 5.
7.
From what place and under what circumstances
did Jesus ascend? Luke 24 : 50, 51; Acts 1: 9, 12.
Note 6.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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5
8: What promise was made to the disciples just
after the ascension? By whom was the promise made?
Verses 10, 11.
9. What, then, will be the manner of Christ's sec-
ond coming ? Verse 11; Matt. 24 : 30; 1 Thess. 4: 16;
Rev. 1 : 7.
SEASON OF SUPPLICATION
10.
Who tarried in Jerusalem, and in what place?
Acts 1 : 13.
11.
What did they do ? Verse 14. Note 7.
12.
If this course was necessary for those who re-
ceived the "former rain," what should those do who
expect• the "latter rain"? Note 8.
CHOOSING AN APOSTLE
13.
What became of Judas Iscariot ? Matt. 27 : 5, '
7, 8 ; Acts 1 : 18, 19.
14.
To what scriptures did Peter refer concerning
the treachery of Judas and the appointment of his
successor? Verses 15-17, 20; Ps. 69 : 25; 109 : 8.
15.
What did Peter suggest should be done? Acts
1 : 21, 22.
16.
Who was chosen, and how ? Verses 23-26.
Note 9.
Notes
1. No attempt will be made in these lessons to give exact
chronological data for the various events. Chronologists are not
agreed. The events of this quarter's study begin with the as-
cension of Christ and extend to the great persecution that fol-
lowed the death of Stephen. The former event we understand
to have occurred in A.D. 31. The "New Standard Dictionary"
6
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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
gives the date of Paul's conversion, which occurred in the time
of the persecution referred to, as A.D. 34.
2.
"That the author of the book of Acts is the same as
that of the third Gospel, js evident from several considerations:
from the address to Theophilus, and the reference to a previous
treatise similarly addressed; . . . from the strong resem-
blance in the style of the two books; from the parallelisms par-
ticularly noticeable in the description of the shipwreck in Acts
and the storm on the Sea of Galilee in the Gospel; from in-
timations, slight, and yet noticeable, of the author's knowledge
of disease and his use of medical terms; . . . and from the
fact that Luke, who describes himself as the traveling companion
of Paul even to Rome itself, is several times referred to by Paul
as being with him in Rome. . . . That the author of both
is Luke is the universal testimony of antiquity."—
Abbott's
Commentary, Acts.
3.
The work of Christ in carrying out the plan of salvation
may be divided into two parts, His work on earth in person, and
His work from heaven through the Holy Spirit. What He "began
both to do and teach" while here, He continues to do through
His church endowed with the Holy Spirit. Some one speaks of
this book as "the second part of the Acts of Jesus." The
following references show this to be true: Acts 3:6, 16; 7:59;
9:5, 34; 10:13-15; 12:11; 18:9; 23:11. The book has also
been called the "Acts of the Holy Spirit."
4.
What precious seasons must have been the interviews of
the disciples with their risen Lord during those forty days!
Doubtless He explained many things to them which they could
only understand in the light of the resurrection, and endeavored
especially to make plain the part they were to act in making
Him known to the world.
5.
They were to be witnesses, not princes, witnessing to the
crucifixion (Acts 2:36), resurrection (1:22), and coming (1:11)
of Christ. Note the extent of the work —"unto the uttermost
part of the earth." At that command, when they understood
it, they gave their means, their strength, and their lives to
carrying the gospel message into all the known world. To us
now comes the same command, to carry the last gospel message
to every nation and tongue. And the same power is promised
from on high.
6.
A Sabbath day's journey was, according to the Talmud, two
thousand cubits, or three fourths of a mile.
7.
"All who were fully identified as disciples of Christ and
associated with the apostles as evangelists, assembled together
at Jerusalem. They put away all differences. They continued
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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7
with one accord in prayer and supplication, that they might re-
ceive the fulfilment of the promise of the Holy Spirit; for they
were to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the Spirit
and in the power of God."—"
Gospel Workers,'' page 370.
8.
"This is the very course that should be pursued by 'those
who act a part in the work of proclaiming the coming of the
Lord in the clouds of heaven; for a people are to be prepared
to stand in the great day of God. Although Christ had given
the promise to His disciples that they should receive the Holy
Spirit, this did not remove the necessity of prayer. They prayed
all the more earnestly; they continued in prayer with one accord.
Those who are now engaged in the solemn work of preparing a
people for the coming of the Lord, should also continue in
prayer."—"Gospel
Workers," pages 370, 371.
"Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect
unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place,
that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All
differences had been put away."—"
Testimonies for the
-
Church,"
volume 6, page 20.
9.
Not only were the believers putting away their sins and
praying for the descent of the Spirit, but they were facing the
great work for which the Spirit was to be given, and proceeded
to transact such business as was necessary for carrying out
their mission.
LESSON II.— The Holy Spirit Given
JANUARY 14, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 2:1-21.
LESSON HELPS: "Testimonies for the Church," volume 7,
pages 30-33;
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACE : Jerusalem.
TIME: Pentecost, L.D. 31, about ten days after the ascension.
PERSONS: Peter and other disciples of Christ; the multitude.
Questions
BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT
1. On what day were the united prayers of the
believers answered? Acts 2:1. Note 1.
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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
2.
What remarkable manifestation was seen?
Verses 2, 3.
3.
What was the result to the disciples? What
did they do ? Verse 4. Note 2.
THE MULTITUDE HEAR IN THEIR OWN TONGUES
4.
When the news of what had taken place was
spread abroad, what occurred? Verse 6.
5.
How many nations were represented there ?
Verses 5, 9-11.
6.
How were the people affected by these mani-
festations? Verses 6-8, 12, 13.
PETERS EXPLANATION
7.
Who spoke for the apostles in explaining the
phenomenon and in preaching the gospel? Verse 14.
8.
How did he refute the charge of drunkenness?
Verse 15.
9.
What was the explanation ? Verse 16.
10.
Give the substance of Joel's prophecy. Verses
17-21.
THE CLOSING MESSAGE
11.
How is God's last message to sinful men co be
given ? Rev. 14: 9; 18 : 1; Joel 2: 23. Note 3.
12.
To how many does Joel's prophecy apply? Acts
2 : 39. Note 4.
13.
What are those who have the closing gospel mes-
sage, counseled to do ? Rev. 3: 18. Note 5.
Notes
1. The day of the week on which that memorable Pentecost
fell has been a subject of much interest. Though the question
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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9
has absolutely nothing
'
to do with determining what day is the
Christian Sabbath, it will be of interest to know the facts. The
day on which Pentecost was celebrated depends altogether upon
the day of the week on which the Passover fell on any given
year. The Passover lamb was to be killed on the evening of the
14th of Nisah, and beginning with the 15th day unleavened
bread was eaten for seven days. The first and seventh days of
the feast were sabbaths, in which no servile work should be done.
Ex. 12:6, 15, 16; Lev. 23: 5-7. On the morrow after this first
sabbath — the 16th -- the wave-sheaf (or "ombr," margin) of
the first-fruits was offered to the Lord, and from this day they
were to count fifty days to Pentecost. Lev. 23:10, 11, 15, 16.
Jesus was crucified on Friday (Luke 23:54), and ate the
Passover with His disciples the evening before (Luke 22: 7-15),
which would be the 14th. Sabbath therefore was the 16th of
Nisan, and fifty days would bring Pentecost that year on the
Sabbath.
There has been much discussion over the question of whether
Jesus did not eat the Passover one day before the regular time,
so that He would be crucified on the day on which the typical
lamb was slain. "The question,
on what day of the week this
Pentecost fell, must of course be determined by the mode in which
the doubt is solved regarding the day [of the month] .on which
the Last Supper was eaten. If it was the legal paschal supper,
on the 14th of Nisan, and the Sabbath during which our Lord
lay in the grave was the day of the omer, Pentecost must have
followed on the Sabbath. But if the supper was eaten on the
13th, and He was crucified on the 14th, the Sunday of the
resurrection must have been the day of the omer, and Pentecost
must have occurred on the first day of the
week."—"Smith's
Bible Dictionary," article "Pentecost."
Andrews, after considering all the evidences on this question,
concludes tha
t Jesus ate the Passover at the regular time and was
crucified on the 15th. ("Life of our Lord," page 460.) With
him agree Edersheim, Neander, Burton and Matthews, Hastings's
Bible Dictionary, and many other authorities. Ti
s seems to
be the only position the Scripture warrants.
2. This was the baptism of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus.
It filled the room, and it filled and took possession of the believers.
"On the day of Pentecost the Infinite One revealed Himself in
power to the church. By His Holy Spirit He descended from the
heights of heaven as a rushing, mighty wind, to the room in
which the disciples were assembled. It was as. if for ages this
influence had been held in restraint, and now heaven rejoiced in
being able to pour upon the church the riches of the Spirit's
10
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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
power. And, under the influence of the Spirit, words of penitence
and confession were mingled with songs of praise for sins for-
given. Words of thanksgiving and of prophecy were heard. All
heaven bent low to behold and to adore the wisdom of matchless,
incomprehensible Love. Lost in wonder, the apostles and dis-
ciples exclaimed, 'Herein is love.' 1 John 4:10. They grasped
the imparted gift. And what followed? — Thousands were con-
verted in a day. The sword of the Spirit, newly edged with
power, and bathed in the lightnings of heaven, cut its way
through
unbelief."—"Testimonies for the Church," volume 7,
page 31.
3.
"The work will be similar to that of the day of Pentecost.
As the 'former rain' was given, in the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of
the precious seed, so the 'latter rain' will be given at its close,
for the ripening of the harvest. . . . The great work of the
gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of
God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were ful-
filled in the outpouring of the foriner rain at the opening of the
gospel, are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close.
. . . Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining
with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to pro-
claim the message from Heaven. By thousands of voices, all over
the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought,
the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will folloW the
believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing
down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Thus the inhabitants
of the earth will be brought to take their stand."—"Great
Con-
troversy," pages 611, 612.
4.
"Why has the history of the work of the disciples, as they
labored with holy zeal, animated and vitalized by the Holy Spirit,
been recorded, if it is not that from this record the Lord's people
to-day are to gain an inspiration to work earnestly for Him,
What the Lord did for His people in that time, it is just as
essential, and more so, that He do for His people to-day. All
that the apostles did, every church-member to-day is to do. And
we are to work with as much more fervor, to be accompanied
by the Holy Spirit in as much greater measure, as the increase of
wickedness demands a more decided call to repentance."—"Testi-
monies for the Church," volume
7,
page 33.
" The Spirit awaits our demand and reception."—"Christ's
Object Lessons," page 131.
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•
5.
"Already many are receiving the Holy Spirit, and no
longer will the way be blocked by listless indifference."—"Testi-
monies for the Church," volume
7,
page 33.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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11
LESSON

Christ and Him Crucified
JANUARY 21, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE : Acts 2:22-47.
LESSON HELPS:
Sabbath School Worker.
Questions
PETER'S ARGUMENT
.
1. Having explained the manifestations of the
Holy Spirit, whom did Peter at once set forth as
the theme of his discourse? What evidence had been
given that Jesus was the Messiah ? Acts 2 : 22.
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•
2.
What, however, had the Jews done ? Of what
was this a fulfilment ? Verse 23 ; 3 : 18.
3.
What gteat truth was then stated ? Acts 2 : 24.
4.
Give the substance of the scripture quoted to
prove this. Verses 25-28 ; Ps. 16 : 8-11.
5.
How does this prove the resurrection ? Acts 2 :
29-31, 34 (first clause). Note 1.
6.
What other evidence of the resurrection did
Peter present 1 Verse 32.
7.
What third proof
,was given ?
Verse 33.
8.
With what scripture did he prove the exaltation
of Christ? Verses 34, 35; Ps. 110:1. Note 2
9.
What Was the conclusion of Peter's argument ?
Acts 2 : 36.
THE EXHORTATION
10.
What was the effect of the sermon on the peo-
ple ? Verse 37.
11.
What were they exhorted to do, and with what
assurance? Verse 38.
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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
12.
How many may receive forgiveness of sin and
the gift of the Holy Spirit?, Verse 39.
13.
What was the burden of the invitation that day?
Verse 40.
, A HARVEST OF
SOULS
14.
What result followed this effort? Verse 41.
Note 3.
15.
What spirit did these early Christians manifest?
What did they do? Verses 41, 42, 46. Note 4.
16.
How were the temporal wants of all supplied?
Verses 44, 45. Note 5.
17.
What was the attitude of the people toward this
work, and with what results was it continued? Verses
43, 47.
Notes
1.
If the righteous receive their reward at death, Peter's
argument proves nothing. But David's body had been left in
hades,
or the grave; so the text must refer to Christ, who was
resurrected.
2.
In this reference we have allusion to two ancient customs,
one that of kings' placing on their right those for whom the
highest honors were intended (1 Kings 2:19), and the other
of conquerors' treading on the neck of their vanquished foes as
a symbol of complete subjection. See Phil. 2:5-11.
3.
This was doubtless a fulfilment of Jesus' promise to His
disciples in John 14:2. "A work similar to that which the
Lord did through His delegated messengers after the day of
Pentecost He is waiting to do
to-day."—"Testimonies for the
Church," volume 7, page 33.
4.
As disciples, or learners, they studied the doctrines or
teachings perseveringly. This, with the ordinances and prayer-
meetings, bound them together in Christian fellowship, and built
them up. All this was a willing and joyful service.
5.
There were doubtless great numbers from all over the
world, away from their usual means of support, who wanted to
become more thoroughly instructed in the Christian life before
returning home. Having consecrated
all
to God, those who had
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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13
property voluntarily turned it into money to meet this need.
There seems to have been no holding of property in common, or
public ownership. Private ownership of property did not cease
among Christians. See Acts 12:12. Every able-bodied man was
charged with the duty of supporting his own household; and to
fail of this through neglect, was a denial of the faith. 1 Tim.
5 : 8. But in cases of need and distress, every believer is a
steward of God; and when the cause of Christ suffers need, no
believer can say that aught that he has is his own.
LESSON IV.— A Multitude Converted; the Lame.
.Man Healed
JANUARY 28, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 3.
LESSON HELPS:
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACE: The temple at ,1 erusalem.
PERSONS
:
Peter, John, a lame man, the people.
Questions
HEALING THE LAME MAN
1.
What were the time and occasion of the events
of this lesson? Acts 3: 1.
2.
Describe the beggar at , the temple entrance.
Verses 2, 7 ; 4 : 22. Note 1.
3.
In what way was the physical condition of this
man like the spiritual condition of every sinner ?
4.
What occurred when Peter and John came where
this man was ? Acts 3 : 3-8. Note 2.
5.
How were the people affected by this miracle?
What did they do ? Verses 9-11.
THROUGH FAITH IN HIS NAME
6.
Who spoke to the people? What point did he
first make plain ? Verse 12.
14
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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
7.
How did he contrast what they had done to
Jesus, and what God had done for the lame man?
Verses 13-15.
8.
What title is here applied to Jesus? Verse 15.
Compare John 1 : 4; 5 : 26; 11: 25; 2 Tini. 1 : 10.
9.
By whom and how did Peter say the miracle had
been wrought? Acts 3: 16. Note 3.
10.
How did Peter show his willingness to excuse
the guilt of those who crucified Christ? Verse 17.
11.
Of what did he say the suffering of Christ was
a fulfilment? Verse 18.
EXHORTATION TO REPENTANCE
12.
What did Peter admonish his hearers to do?
Why should they do this? Verses 19, 20. Note 4.
13.
Until what time did he say ,Jesus would remain
away ? Verse 21.
14.
How were the admonition, and the results of not
heeding it, enforced upon their minds? Verses 22-25.
15.
What special privilege had been accorded them?
For what purpose did God send Jesus? Verse 26.
Notes
I. It is not certain which of the several gates belonging to
the temple is meant, but probably the magnificent doors of Cor-
inthian brass described by josephus, which led from the Gentile
court to the court of the women. It is said that the folds of
this gate were seventy-five feet high and sixty feet broad, and
were covered with plates of gold and silver.
"This unfortunate man had long desired to go to Jesus and
be healed; but he was almost helpless, and was removed far
from the scene of the great Physician's labors. Finally his
earnest pleadings induced some kind persons to bear him to the
gate of the temple. But upon arriving there he discovered that
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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15
the Healer upon whom his hopes were centered, had been put to
a cruel death."—"Spirit
of Prophecy," volume 3, page 275.
2.
Every one who has received Christ in the heart has some-
thing of infinitely more value to give than silver or gold. And
it is a law of the kingdom that these precious blessings must be
continually given away to be retained.
3.
"I. Faith performs the miracle (Peter and John). II.
Faith experiences the miracle (the lame man). III. Faith com-
prehends the miracle (the believing hearers)."—Lange.
4.
Daniel the prophet had written of the solemn scene, just
before the coming of Christ, when the Ancient of Days should
sit in judgment and the books of heaven be opened. Dan. 7:
9, 10. Before this tribunal every case was to come; and Peter
exhorted his hearers to make sure work for that great day. And
now that, in the closing days of our own generation, the judg-
ment hour is fast passing, when the record of sin will be blotted
out, or the names be blotted out, how urgent the same call to
repentance! Note some of the promises for this time of judg-
ment, and of refreshing by the latter rain. See Rev. 2:7, 10, 11.
The time of the latter rain is also the shaking time. While those
who seek God shall increase in strength, the careless and con-
tentious and unconsecrated will be shaken out of the ranks of
God's people.
LESSON V.— The Trial of Peter and John
FEBRUARY 4, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 4:1-31.
LESSON HELPS:
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACES: Prison, temple, hall of the Sanhedrin, and private
meeting place in the city.
PERSONS: Jewish rulers, Peter, John, lame man who was
healed, company of Christians.
Questions
PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN
1. Who interrupted the preaching of Peter in
Solomon's porch? Acts 4 : 1.
16
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•
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
2. Why did they do this? Verse 2. Note 1.
3. What was done to the apostles ? How did their
words affect the people ? Verses 3, 4.
4. Before whom were the apostles brought next
day ? Verses 5-7. Note 2.
5. What question was asked them ? Verse 7.
6. Who answered, and with what power? Verse
8. Note 3.
7. What was his answer to their question? Verses
9, 10.
S. What familiar illustration was used to show
the position of Christ ? Verse 11; Ps. 118: 22.
9.
What sweeping statement was made concerning
the plan of salvation ? Acts 4 : 12.
DECISION OF THE COUNCIL
10.
What was a cause of wonder to the council
How was it explained ? Verse 13. Note 4.
11.
What prevented them from carrying out their
real desire ? Verses 14-16, 21.
12.
What did they do ? Verses 17, 18, 21.
13.
How did the apostles answer their demands?
Verses 19, 20. Note 5.
A VICTORIOUS PRAYER-MEETING
, 14. On being released, what did the apostles do?
Verse 23.
15.
Of what scripture did the believers recognize
the fulfilment ? Verses 25-28 ; Ps. 2 : 1, '2.
16.
In what thought did they find comfort ? Acts
4 : 24.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
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17
17; For what three things did they pray? Verses
29, 30.
18. What threefold answer was given? Verse 31.
Notes
1.
"Being grieved;" Greek, "troubled all through," or
"thoroughly worked up." Probably most of the worshipers had
left the inner precincts of the temple, and were drinking in the
words of life preached by the apostles. "This preaching the
resurrection of Chiist, and that through His death and resur-
rection He would finally bring up all the dead from their graves,
deeply stirred the Sadducees. They felt that their favorite doc-
trine was in danger, and their reputation at stake. Some of the
officials of the temple, and the captain of the temple, were Sad-
ducees."—"Spirit
of Prophecy," volume 3, page 278.
2.
This was the supreme council of the Jewish nation, the
Sanhedrin. It was composed of seventy-one members, and sat
in a semicircle of which the high priest was the central figure.
Both Sadducees and Pharisees were members at this time. Annas
was acting high priest, though he had been deposed, and Caia-
phas his son-in-law appointed by the Roman authority. See Luke
3:2; John 11:49; 18:13. Of John and Alexander we know noth-
ing. They were probably prominent relatives of the high priest.
3.
"In that very room, and before those very men, Peter had
shamefully denied his Lord. All this came distinctly before the
mind of the disciple, as he now appeared for his own trial. He
had now an opportunity of redeeming his former wicked cow-
ardice.
"The company present remembered the part Peter had, acted
at the trial of his Master, and they flattered themselves that he
could be intimidated by the threat of imprisonment and death.
But the Peter who denied Christ in the hour of His greatest
need, was the impulsive, self-confident disciple, differing widely
from the Peter who was before the Sanhedrin for examination
that day. He had been converted; he was distrustful of self,
and no longer a proud boaster. He was filled with the Holy
Spirit, and through its power he had become firm as a rock,
courageous, yet modest, in magnifying Christ. He was ready to
remove the stain, of his apostasy by honoring the name he had
once disowned."—"Spirit
of Prophecy," volume 3, page 279.
4.
Christ's promise of Matt. 10:19, 20, was fulfilled that day.#
5.
In accordance with later direction in his epistle (1 Peter
2:17) Peter here showed due regard to his renowned audience,
18

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
but being filled with the Holy Ghost he does not fail to declare
the whole counsel of God, and he and John are not slow to tell
the Sanhedrin what attitude the disciples must sustain toward the
demand not to preach Christ.
LESSON VI.— True and False Giving
FEBRUARY 11, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE
: Acts 4:32 to 5:11.
LESSON HELPS: "Testimonies for the Church," volume 5,
pages 148-157;
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACE: Jerusalem.
PERSONS: Apostles, disciples, Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira.
Questions
UNITY AND SELF-SACRIFICE IN THE CHURCH
1.
What is the Lord's desire for His people? John
17 : 21-23 ; Phil. 1 : 27 ; 2 : 2 ; Ps. 133 : 1.
2.
How was this fulfilled in the Jerusalem church ?
What caused this condition Acts 4 : 31, 32.
3.
What power accompanied this spirit of unity
and love ? Verse 33.
4.
How did this spirit of love for each other, and
consecration to God's work, lead them to look upon
their material possessions? Verses 32, 34, 35. Note 1.
5.
What special example of benevolence is men-
tioned? Verses 36, 37. Note 2.
JUDGMENT ON HYPOCRISY
6.
What was the sin of Ananias and Sap phira ?
Acts 5 : 1-4, 7-9. Note 3.
7.
How was this great sin punished? Verses 5,
6, 10.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

19
8.
How did this judgment affect the church and
others ? Verses 5, 11. Note 4.
LESSON FOR THE OH U.KUH
TO
-
DAY
9.
What is one of the prevailing sins of the last
days? 2 Tim. 3: 2; Luke 12 : 15.
10.
What true picture of this time does Isaiah give?
Isa. 1 : 23 ; 5 : 8.
11.
What do those who put their confidence in
riches really do ? Job 31: 24, 25, 28 ; Mark 4 : 19.
12.
What are we to do with the wealth which God
gives us ? Prov. 3 : 9 ; Mal. 3 : 8, 10.
13.
What great task is waiting for the chnrch to.
finish ? Mark 16 : 15 ; Matt. -24 :14.
14.
What then is one great deception of Satan . to
destroy the Christian experience of those who know
the truth, and to hinder the finishing of the gospel
work ? Note 5.
Notes
1. "Great numbers had collected at Jerusalem to observe the
sacred feast. The exciting scenes of the crucifixion and resur-
rection had called out a much larger number than usual. When
the truth taught by the apostles was brought suddenly and with
convincing power before them, thousands were converted in a
day. These early believers were most of them immediately cut
off from family and friends by the zealous bigotry of the Jews.
Many of the converts were thrown out of business, and exiled.
from their homes because they followed the convictions of their
consciences, and espoused the cause of Christ. It was necessary
to provide this large number, congregated' at Jerusalem, with
homes and sustenance. Those having money and possessions
cheerfully sacrificed them to the existing emergency. Their
means were laid at the feet of the apostles, who made dis-
tribution to every man according as he had need; and there were
none among them who lacked.'_
—"Spirit of Prophecy," volume
3, pages 282, 283.
20

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
2.
"This was the effect of the pouring out of the Spirit of
God upon the believers. It made them of one heart and soul.
They had one common interest — the success of the mission in-
trusted to them. Their love for their brethren, and the cause ,
which they had espoused, was far greater than their love for
money and possessions. They acted out their faith, and by their
works testified that they accounted the souls of men of far
greater value than any earthly heritage."—"Spirit
of Proph-
ecy." volume 3, page 283.
3.
"Ananias and Sapphirn. coveted popularity and high posi-
tion which they saw those enjoying who had thus given all they
possessed to their brethren and were spending their lived in the
services) of the gospel. But this popularity came high; it would
cost them their Possessions. And such a price they were un-
willing to pay. So they tried to get it by means of hypocrisy.
They pyofessed to give all that they had received for the piece
of property which they had sold.x Hypocrites are a hindrance
to any good movement. The better the movement, the greater the
danger from such people, and the more injurious are their pres-
ence and influence. A few individuals of such character, who in
this way had got leading positions in the yonng church, could
have ruined it. The danger was great, the remedy severe."—
Thatcher, "History of the Apostolic Church," page 80.
. 4.
Though the punishment was severe, it was just, and spared
the infant church from greater sorrow. It caused them to have
greater awe in Cod's presence and greater reverence 'for the
Holy Spirit. It led to careful living, to searching of heart
-
lest
they might he deceived. Tt also caused those who were not Chris-
tians to realize the terrible nature of sin, and to understand the
heart-searching presence of God. Those who were not sincere
were kept out of the church, and many who were longing for
power for right living were added to the church.
5. "As the people of God approach the perils of, the last days.
Satan holds earnest consultation with his angels as to the most
successful plan of overthrowing their faith

He directs
his angels to lay their snares especially for those who are look-
ing for the second advent of Christ, and endeavoring to keep all
the commandments of God. Says the great deceiver: .

.
`Go, make the nossessors of lands and money drunk with the
cares of this life. Present the world before them in its most
attractive light, that they may lay up their treasure here, and
fix their affections upon earthly things. We must do our utmost
to prevent those who labor in God's cause from obtaining means
to use against ns. Keep the money in our own ranks. The more
means they obtain, the more they will injure our kingdom by
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

21
taking from us our subjects. Make them care more for money
than for the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom and the spread of
the truths we hate, and we need not fear their influence; for we
know ti.at .very•s.slall
i
cGvatauz,

7.
4
.11

u n-der ollr power,
and will finally be separated from God's people."'—"Spirit
of
Prophecy," volume 4, pages 337, 339.
LESSON VII.— The Prison Opened; Counsel of
Gamaliel
FEBRUARY 18, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:12-42.
LESSON HELPS:
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACES: The temple, hall of the Sanhedrin, prison, and homes
in Jerusalem.
PERSONS: Angel of the Lord, apostles, multitude from outside
Jerusalem, sick folks, priests, rulers, officers, and Gamaliel.
•
Questions
PROGRESS OF THE WORK AND FURTHER CONFLICT WITH
THE RULERS
1.
Following the judgment of Ananias and Sap-
phira, what special marks of progress are noted?
Acts 5 :12-14.

•
2.
Describe the work of healing. Verses 15, 16.
3.
What was the feeling of the ruling classes con-
cerning this work? What did they do? Verses 17,
18. Note 1.
4.
By what means were the apostles again per-
mitted to teach? What commission did the angel give
them? Verses 19, 20.
-
Note 2.
5.
How were the rulers made aware of what had
happened? Verses 21-25. Note 3.
22

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
- 6. What was done? Verse 26.
7.
With what were the apostles charged ? Verses
27, 28. Compare Matt. 27 : 25.
8.
What reason was given for not obeying their
former commands? Acts 5 : 29. Note 4.
9.
What facts were stated? Verses 30-32.
10.
What effect did Peter's discourse have upon the
council ? Verse 33.
11.
Who gave advice to the council ? What did he
say ? Verses 34-39. Note 5.
12.
What did the council do to the apostles? How
did the apostles take the punishment? Verses 40, 41.
13.
How did the apostles' actions accord with the
command of the council? Verse 42. Note 6.
Notes
1.
The Sadducees seem to have been the leaders in this per-
secution. According to Josephus, most of the higher class were,
skeptics or Sadducees, though the mass of the people were
Pharisees. The work of the apostles was very offensive to them.
It drew away their followers, and refuted their leading doctrine
that there was no resurrection. Matt. 22:23.
2.
This was indeed a strong protest, against the actions of
those who taught that there was "neither angel nor spirit."
Acts 23:8.
3.
"Note the marvelous accuracy of detail in St. Luke's nar-
rative. The Sanhedrin used to sit in the temple, but a few years
before the period at which we have arrived, four or five at most,
they removed from the temple into the city, a fact which is
just hinted at in the sixth verse of the fourth chapter, where
we are told that the rulers, and elders, and scribes were gathered
together in Jerusalem, that is, in the city, not in the temple; while
again in this passage we read that when the high priest came
and convened. the council and all the senate of the children of
Israel, they sent their officers to bring the prisoners before them.
These officers after a while returned with the information that
the apostles were preaching in the temple. If the Sanhedrin
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

23
were meeting in the temple, they would doubtless have learned
this fact as soon as they assembled, especially as they did not
sit till after the morning sacrifice, several hours after the apostles
appeared in the temple."—
Stokes, Acts.
4.
"The apostles and early Christians acted on the principle,
that human governments forfeit their claim to obedience when.
they require what God has plainly forbidden, or forbid what He
has required. They claimed the right of judging for themselves
what was right and what was wrong; in reference to their re-
ligious duties, and they regulated their conduct by that decision.
. . . In applying this principle, it will be found that ,the
apostles in every instance abstained from forcible .resistance to
the public authorities. They refused utterly to obey the man-
dates which required them to violate their consciences, but they
endured quietly the penalties which the executors of the law en-
forced against them. They evaded the pursuit ,of their op-
pressors if they could, secreted themselves from arrest, left their
prisons at the command of God, yet when violent hands were
laid upon them, and they were dragged before magistrates, to
the dungeon, or to death, they resisted not the wrong, but 'fol-
lowed His steps, who, when He suffered, threatened not, but
committed Himself to Him that j udgeth righteously.!
"—"Haek-
ett's Commentary," Acts.
5.
To have acted upon their passionate desire might have
brought them in conflict with the Romans, for the Sanhedrin did
hot have the power of capital punishment. Doubtless also it would
have stirred the great wrath of the people. Whatever Gamaliel's
personal opinion may have been, he was used of God to bring
victory to His cause. Bernard says: "Gamaliel is described in
Acts 5:34 as 'a Pharisee, a doctor of the law, had in honor with
all the people.' This description exactly corresponds with that-
given in the Mishna of Rabban Gamaliel I,, who died about
A.D.
57, and was at the height of his influence at the time of the
trial described in Acts 5. He belonged to the milder and more
liberal school of Hillel, whose grandson he is said to have been.
. . . He was the teacher of St. Paul."—"Smith's Bible Dic-
tionary,"
article Gamaliel.
6.
We can not think of these Spirit-filled men as "profes-
sional" evangelists, yet preaching was decidedly their business.
In the temple (in Solomon's porch or portico) they seem to have
had daily services; and in the houses, and doubtless on the
street, in public and private, they spoke "to the people all the
words of this life." The apostle Paul said, "By the space of
three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with
tears." Acts 20:31.
24

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
LESSON

Deacons Appointed; Arrest of
Stephen
FEBRUARY 25, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 6.
LESSON HELPS:
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACES: Meeting place of the Christians, and hall of the San-
hedrin in Jerusalem.
TIME: A.D. 34.
PERSONS: Widows of Grecian Jews, apostles, disciples, the
seven deacons, priests, foreign Jews, Sanhedrin council.
Questions
CHOICE OF THE SEVEN
1.. What threatened to mar the unity of the church?
Acts 6: 1. (The Revised Version reads "Grecian
Jews.")
2.
What was done to adjust this matter? Verses
2-4:
3.
What was to be the character of these men?
Verse 3. Note 1. •
4.
Who were chosen? Verse 5.
5.
How were they set apart for their work ? Verse 6.
PROGRESS OF THE WORK AND ARREST OF STEPHEN
6.
What is stated concerning the progress of the
work at this time ? Verse 7.
7.
What especially characterized the work of
Stephen? Verse 8.
8.
How was his work opposed? Verse 9. Note 2.
9.
What effect did Stephen's discourse have upon
those disputing with him? Verse 10.
10.
What was their next effort? Verses 11-13.
Note 3.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

25
11. What manifestation of the divine presence did
all the council see? Verse 15. Note 4.
Notes
1.
These are qualifications for persons, chosen to any church
office, and they exalt the office. The business of the church as
well as the ministry of the Word should be done in the most
diligent and religious spirit. Phillips Brooks well said, Never
fear to do the smallest act with the highest motive.
2.
This was a synagogue for foreign Jews —Libertines, Jews
and their descendants who had been Roman captives and who
had been freed by theii captors. " Tacitus speaks of 10,000
Libertine Jews."—
Lewin.
It is said that there were 460 syna-
gogues in Jerusalem.
3.
The same accusation had been brought against Christ.
Matt. 26:61. Probably Stephen had taught the prophecies of
Daniel and Christ concerning the- destruction of Jerusalem, and
that the sacrificial service's had lost their meaning. But doubt-
less, like Paul, he could say; "Neither against. the law of the
Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cnsar, have
I offended anything at all." Acts 25:8.
4.
These intolerant religionists were very jealous' for the
influence of Moses, yet they could not recognize. Christ, of whom
Moses wrote, or understand the glory that shone on Stephen's
face, such as that which had illuminated the face of Moses.
LESSON IX.— Stephen's Address before the
Sanhedrin
MARCH 4, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 7:1-29.
LESSON HELPS:
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACE: Hall of the Sanhedrin, Jerusalem.
TIME: A.D. 34.
PERSONS: Stephen, high priest, and Sanhedrin council.
Questions
PROMISES TO ABRAHAM
1. The charges having been preferred against
26

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Stephen, what opportunity was given him ? Acts
7 : 1. Note 1:
2.
Give the opening words of his defense. To
what was Abraham called ? Verses 2, 3. Note 2.
3.
Where did, he first settle? When did he move
on to the promised land ? Verses 2, 4.
4.
What is said of God's promise and its fulfil-
ment? Verse 5; Heb. 11: 8-10, 13. See also Gal. 3: 16.
5.
What was revealed to Abraham concerning his
posterity ? Acts 7 : 6, 7. Note 3.
6.
What was given to Abraham ? Verse 8. Note 4.
BONDAGE IN EGYPT
7.
How was the way prepared for the sojourn of
the children of Israel in Egypt? Verses 9, 10.
8.
What were the circumstances which led to their
removal to that land?' Verses 11-14. Note 5.
9.
How was the knowledge of and faith in the
promise of return to Canaan shown by the Israelites?
Verses 15, 16. Note 6.
10.
When, why, and how were the Israelites op-
pressed in Egypt? Verses 17-19 ; Ex. 1: 7-14, 22.
PREPARATION OP A LEADER
11.
How was Israel's future leader saved from de-
struction and educated ? Acts 7 : 20-22.
12.
When and how did Moses undertake to relieve
his people ? Verses 23, 24.
13.
Why was his leadership not accepted? Verse
25. Note 7.
14.
To what did this incident lead? Verses 26-29.
Note 8.
SABBATH-SCHOOL. LESSON QUARTERLY

27
Notes
1.
The student should read the whole discourse carefully, and
endeavor to grasp its purpose and thought. It is a remarkable
defense. Had he offered an abstract defense against the charges,
he would doubtless have been stopped much sooner than he was.
Jewish history was a favorite thethe among the Hebrew. people.
To secure their attention, give time for their rage to subside,
and to show that their charges of his opposition to Moses and
the Jewish religion were not true, he gave a review of their
history, showing how it led to Christ and a spiritual religion not
confined to any one place, such as the temple.
2.
Mesopotamia, "between the rivers," is doubtless used in a
general sense, including all the Tigro-Euphrates country. "Ur
of the Chaldees" has been identified with the mound Mugheir
in lower Babylonia, but has not been fully excavated.
3.
In Jewish history the time of the sojournings• of their
fathers among strangers and amidst afflictions was counted from
the wanderings of Abraham to the exodus from Egypt. Abra-
ham was called out from his kindred and country to Canaan,
into which the Lord promised to lead his descendants; but on
account of the famine in the land he went down at once into
Egypt. Gen. 12:1-1.0. According to the chronology in the margin
(if the Common Version, this was B.C. 1921. Just four hundred
thirty years later, according to the same chronology, Israel went
out of Egypt. Ex. 12:40, 41, marginal date. Sometimes in
Scripture this period is referred to by even figures as four hundred
years.
4.
This was God's everlasting covenant. "The covenant of
grace was first made with man in Eden, when after the fall, there
was given a divine promise that the seed of the woman should
bruise the serpent's head. To all men this covenant offered
pardon, and the assisting grace of God for future obedience
through faith in Christ. It also promised them eternal life on
condition of fidelity to God's law. Thus the patriarchs received
the hope of salvation. This same covenant was renewed to
Abraham in the promise, 'In thy .seed shall all the nations of
the earth be blessed.' This promise pointed to Christ. So
Abraham understood it, and he trusted in Christ for the for-
giveness of sins. It was this faith that was accounted unto him
for righteousness."—"Patriarchs
and Prophets," page 370:
5.
In Gen. 46:26 it is stated that the number of Jacob's
house wlio went down with him into Egypt was sixty-six, "be-
sides Jacob's sons' wives." Stephen is counting not the di-
rect descendants only but also the "kindred," and so includes
the wives, making seventy-five as the total family.
28

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
6.
Though Jacob and the twelve patriarchs died in Egypt,
they believed God's promise of deliyerance, and desired their
bones to be buried in the land of Canaan. Jacob was buried with
Abraham at Machpelah (Gen. 50:13). The words in verse 16,
of Stephen's address, refer to the twelve patriarchs —"our
fathers — mentioned in the closing words of the preceding verse.
We have only the account of the carrying of Joseph's bones to
Sychem for burial (Joshua 24:32), but evidently at some time
the other eleven patriarchs were likewise buried there by their
posterity.
7.
" They were not yet prepared for freedom. . . . In
slaying the Egyptian, Moses had fallen into the same error so
often committed by his fathers, of taking into their own hands
the work that God had promised to do. It was not God's will
to deliver His people by warfare, as Moses thought, but by His
own mighty power
,
that the glory might be ascribed to Him
alone."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 246, 247.
8.
"Moses was not prepared for his great work. He had
yet to learn the same lesson of faith that Abraham and Jacob
had been taught,— not to rely upon human strength or wisdom,
but upon the power of God for the fulfilment of His promises.
And there were other lessons that, amid the solitude of 'the
mountains, Moses was to receive."—"Patriarchs
and Prophets,"
page 247.
LESSON

Stephen's Address before the Sanhe-
drin (Continued); Stephen Stoned to Death
MARCH 11, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 7:30
-
60.
LESSON HELPS:
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACE: Hall of the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem, place of execu-
tion outside the city.
TIME: A.D. 34.
PERSONS: Stephen, Sanhedrin council, Saul.
Questions
DELIVERANCE FROM EGYPTIAN BONDAGE
1. When, where, and how did the Lord call Moses
to the deliverance of Israel? Acts 7 : 30-34.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

29
2.
At whose command, then, and by what power,
did Moses deliver Israel? Verse 35; Num. 20: 16.
MOSES' PROPHECY AND THE IDOLATRY. OF ISRAEL
3.
Of what other leader did Moses prophesy?
Acts 7 : 37; Deut. 18 : 15, 18, 19; Acts 3: 22.
4.
What honors and privileges had been accorded
to -Moses? Acts 7:38. Note 1.
5.
What, however, had been the attitude of the
fathers toward him? Verse 39.
6.
Notwithstanding all the manifestations of God's
power and love, what did they do? Verses 40, 41.
7.
What prophecy was rehearsed which portrays
their idolatry and its result? Verses 42, 43. Note 2.
THE PLACE OF GOD'S DWELLING
8.
Why were they the more inexcusable for ,their
idolatry? Verses 44, 45. Note 3.
9.
By whom was a permanent temple planned and
built? Verses 45-47.
10.
To what, however, could God not be confined?
Verses 48-50;
-
1 Kings 8 : 27; Isa. 66 : 1, 2.
STEPHEN'S ACCUSATION OF THE JEWS AND HIS MARTYRDOM
11.
Breaking away from the' chain of history, of
what did Stephen accuse his hearers? Acts 7: 51.
Note 4.
12.
What had they and their fathers done? Verse 52.
13.
What was their real attitude toward the law for
which they professed such veneration? Verse 53.
14.
What was the effect of these accusations on the
council? Verse 54.
30

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
15.
In the midst of this tumultuous scene what vision
was' granted to Stephen? What did he say? Verses
55, 56.
16.
What did his infuriated judges do? Verses 57,
58. Note 5.
17.
What man who afterward became a prominent
worker for Christ, was present? What was his atti-
tude toward the killing of Stephen? Verse 58; 8: 1.
18.
What were Stephen's last words? Acts 7: 59, 60.
19.
By whom was he buried? Acts 8: 2.
Notes
1.
In this and the preceding verse Stephen shows his hearers
that it was Christ who led the children of Israel; and that
Moses, whom they professed to follow, foretold His coming in
person as the Deliverer of His people.
2.
"You have carried your idolatrous images about; and
I will carry you into captivity, and see if the gods in whom ye
have trusted can deliver you from My hands. Instead of 'be-
yond Babylon,' Amos, from whom the quotation is made, says
I will carry you beyond Damascus.
Where they were carried
was into Assyria and Media, (see 2 Kings .17:6) ; now, this was
not only
beyond Damascus,
but
beyond Babylon
itself; and, as
Stephen knew this to be the fact, he states it here, and thus more
precisely fixes the place of their captivity."—
Clarke's Com-
mentary.
3.
The Jews were trusting in externals. Stephen doubtless
meant to show them that just as their fathers had with them
the "tabernacle of witness," a continual witness or proof of
God's presence, and yet went into idolatry, so they with the
temple and with even the Messiah among them had rejected God.
He had been accused of blasphemy against Moses, the law, and
the temple. He has shown.his respect for Moses and the law, and
now he shows that he had no intention of speaking with dis-
respect of the temple.
"Jesus" in verse 45 is the Greek form of the word Joshua.
See Heb. 4:8, margin.
4.
"When Stephen had reached this point there was a tumult
among the people. The prisoner read his fate in the countenances
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

31
before him. He perceived the resistance that met his words,
which were spoken at the dictation of the Holy Ghost. He
knew that he was giving his last testimony. Few who read this
address of Stephen properly appreciate it. The occasion, the
time and place should be borne in mind to make his words convey
their full significance. When he connected Jesus Christ with
the prophecies, and spoke of the temple as he did, the priest, af-
fecting to be horror-stricken, rent his robe. This act was to ,
Stephen a signal that his voice would soon be silenced forever.
Although he was just in the midst of his sermon, he abruptly
concluded it by suddenly breaking away from the chain of
history, and, turning upon his infuriated judges, said, 'Ye stiff-
necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears,' "
etc.—"Spirit of
Prophecy," volume 3, pages 297, 298.

•
5. "At this the priests and rulers were beside themselves
with anger. They were more like wild beasts of prey than
like human beings. They rushed upon Stephen, gnashing their
teeth. But he was not intimidated; he had expected this. His
face was calm, and shone with an angelic light. The infuriated
priests and the excited mob had no terrors for him. 'But he,
being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into
heaven.' . . .
"The scene about him faded from his vision; the gates of -
heaven were ajar, and Stephen, looking in, saw the glory of
the courts of God, and Christ, as if just risen from His throne,
standing ready to sustain His servant, who was about to suffer
martyrdom for His name. When Stephen proclaimed the glo-
rious scene opened before him, it was more than his perse-
cutors could endure. They stopped their ears, that they might
not hear his words, and uttering loud cries ran furiously upon
him with one accord."—"Spirit
of Prophecy," volume 3, pages _
298, 299.
LESSON Xi.— The Gospel in Samaria
MARCH
18, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE
: Acts 8:1-25.
LESSON HELPS:
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACES: Jerusalem and Samaria.
TIME: A.D. 34.
PERSONS: Saul, Philip, people of Samaria, Simon, Peter,
and John.
32

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Questions
THE GREAT PERSECUTION
1.
What immediately followed the death of Stephen?
Acts 8: 1. Note 1.
2.
What did Saul do ? Verse 3; 26: 10, 11. Note 2.
3.
What was the result of this 'persecution, on the
church? Acts 8: 1, 4; 11: 19. Note 3.
4.
What other one of the seven deacons became a
preacher 7 and where did he go ? Acts 8 : 5. (See Acts
6 : 5; 21 : 8.) Note 4.
5.
How did he labor, and with what success ? Acts
8 : 6, 7, 12. Note 5.
6.
What was the effect of the reception of the gos-
pel in-Samaria? Verse 8. See Gal. 5 : 22.
7.
What noted person professed conversion? Acts
8 : 9-11, 13.
8.
When the apostles heard of the success of the
gospel in Samaria, what did they do? Verse 14.
Note 6.
9.
What especially did Peter and John do for them?
Verses 15-17. Note 7.
SIMON REBUKED
10.
What request was made by Simon ? Verses
18, 19. Note 8.
11.
What were Peter's rebuke and admonition?
Verses 20-23.
12.
How did Simon show by his final request that
his heart was not right ? Verse 24.
•
13. How extensively was the work carried forward
in Samaria? Verse 25.
SABBATH:SCHOOL LESSON
QUARTERLY

33
Notes
1.
"After the death of. Stephen the disciples were restrained
in their active ministry, and many of the believers • who had
temporarily resided in Jerusalem now retired to their distant
homes because of the violent persecution against them. But
the apostles dared not leave Jerusalem till the Spirit of God
indicated it to be their duty to do so; for Christ had bidden
them to first work in that field. Although the priests and rulers
bitterly persecuted the new converts, they did not venture for a
time to arrest the apostles, being overawed by the dying testimony
of Stephen, and realizing that their course with him had injured
their own cause in the minds of • the people."—"Spirit
of
Prophecy," volume 3, page 300.
2.
" The Romans alone had the power of life and death.
The Sanhedrin, by whom Saul was employed (chapter 26:10),
could do no more than arrest and imprison, in order to inflict
any punishment short of death. It is true, St. Paul himself says
that some of them were put to death (chapter 26), but this was
either done by Roman authority, or by what is called the judg-
ment of zeal; i.
e.,
when the mob took the execution of the laws
into their own hands, and massacred those whom they pretended
to be blasphemers of God."—
Clarke's Commentary.
3.
The means by which the enemies of Christ sought to crush
the gospel, were the means of scattering it, and "those holy
fugitives were like so many lamps lighted by the fire of the Holy
Spirit, spreading everywhere the sacred flame by which they
themselves had been illuminated."
4.
From now on, in the book of Acts, we see the Lord
leading the disciples out toward the peoples and nations round
about. They were tempted by their national prejudices and nar-
row vision to settle down at home and work only for their own
people. But, as we learned in the first chapter, the Lord's com-
mand was that they should witness "both in Jerusalem, and in
all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the
earth."
5.
Jesus said, when in Samaria with His disciples, "One
soweth and another reapeth." Philip was now reaping the
harvest from seed sown in that two days' ministry by the
Master.
6.
"The apostles sent Peter; he was their messenger, not
their master."—
Lindsay.
7.
John at one time wanted to call down fire on the Samar-
itans. Now he seeks to bring them the baptism of the Holy
Spirit.
34

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
8. The crime of Simony is named from Simon. It means
the obtaining of preferment or office in the church by the pay-
ment of money. It was very common in its worse forms in the
Dark Ages. Simon doubtless thought to purchase the gift in
order to exercise its powers to gain selfish honor or to make
money by it. The gifts of God's Spirit and power are not given
to advance any one's selfish desires or commercial interests.
LESSON NIL—Review
MARCH 25, 1911
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 1 to 8:25.
PLACES : Jerusalem and Samaria.
TIME: A.D. 31-34.
PERSONS: Apostles and the other followers of Christ, Jewish
leaders and people, people of Samaria.
ASSIGNMENT
The book of Acts may be divided into three periods: (1)
Organization (chapters 1 to 7). (2) Transition (chapters 8 to
12). (3) Expansion (chapters 13 to 28). We have covered the
first of these periods. Endeavor now to fix thoroughly in mind
the facts and lessons of the chapters studied. Review the chap-
ters until you can
think through
the story and readily give the
main topics.
Questions
1.
Name the principal topics of Acts 1. What two
promises were made the disciples? What is essential
to the church in its work of witnessing to all the
world?
2.
What are the three main divisions of Acts 21
To what did Peter appeal on the day of Pentecost as
proof of the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus?
What special lessons has this chapter for us under
the closing message

See Lesson 2.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

35
3.
Give an outline of Acts 3. What further visible
evidence was given that Jesus was alive ? By what
great coming event did Peter exhort sinners to re-'
pentance ?
4.
Name, in a few words, the chief events of Acts
4. What two spirits were at work, and with what aim ?
What are some of the lessons of encouragement in this
chapter for times of persecution?
5.
Outline briefly the chief events of Acts 5. By
what agencies did God send deliverances to His chil-
dren?
6.
What view of the church at work is given- in
chapter 6 ?
7.
To what is the seventh of Acts devoted? What
was the purpose of Stephen's review of the history of
Israel ? What young man associated with Stephen's
death, later became also a witness and a martyr ?
8.
By what means was the church hurried out from
Jerusalem to' bear the witness? What experience
showed that the gospel was not for the Jews only?
9.
What do we find the apostles preaching on every
occasion ?— The word of God and the fulfilment of
prophecies relating , to their day, by which the death,
resurrection, .and saving power of Jesus were made
known to the people. What is meat in due season
for the people in our own day?
t
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SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
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We
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Thoughts for the Candid
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Rich Man and Lazarus
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It Doesn't Pay
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How Esther Read Her Bible
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Winning of Margaret
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Justified
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2.
Take seven envelopes, number them 1, 2, 3, etc., and then
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•
(See next page also.)
Suggestive Division for Envelope Use
The 700 tracts contained in this package are sufficient to make
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Justified by Faith
The Name
Winning of Margaret
NO. 2
We Would See Jesus
Heralds of His Coming
Way to Christ
NO. 3
Waymarks to the Holy City
Elihu on the Sabbath
It Doesn't Pay
How Esther Read Her Bible
NO. 4
Demons' Council
Who Changed the Sabbath?
Back to the Old _Paths
NO. 5
Topical Bible Studies
New Testament Sabbath
Thoughts for the Candid
NO. 6
Rich Man and Lazarus
The Seventh, or One Seventh?
Which Day and Why?
NO. 7
Seal of God
Is Man Immortal?
Sunday in a Nutshell
Signs of the End
The special price of $5.00 for this $7.00 package does not
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•
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A NEED
SUPPLIED
It was a little more than
two years ago that the
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OF THE TIMES, acting
upon insistent demands
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the SIGNS OF THE
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SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain
View, Cal.